Who owned Mar-a-Lago before Trump? This question has intrigued many as the iconic estate in Palm Beach, Florida, has become synonymous with the presidency of Donald Trump. Built in the 1920s by cereal magnate Charles M. Candler, Mar-a-Lago has a rich history and has been owned by several prominent individuals over the years. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of this luxurious property.
Mar-a-Lago was originally constructed as a winter retreat for Charles M. Candler, the president of the Coca-Cola Company. Candler was a wealthy industrialist who wanted a luxurious home where he could entertain his friends and family. The estate was designed by John McRae, a prominent architect of the time, and was completed in 1926. Candler’s vision was to create a European-style palace on the Atlantic coast, and Mar-a-Lago certainly delivered on that front.
After Candler’s death in 1954, his son, James, inherited the estate. James Candler continued to live at Mar-a-Lago but eventually sold the property to the Rockefeller family in 1985. The Rockefellers, known for their vast wealth and influence, owned Mar-a-Lago for nearly three decades. During this time, the estate became a private club and was used for social events, including the wedding of David Rockefeller’s daughter, Eileen, to David Boies in 1990.
In 2013, Donald Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago for $95 million. At the time, Trump was a successful businessman and reality TV star, but he was not yet a politician. The purchase of Mar-a-Lago marked a significant expansion of his business empire and laid the groundwork for his later presidency. Trump used the estate as his winter residence and a place for hosting high-profile events, including his annual Mar-a-Lago Club membership events.
As Trump’s presidency began in 2017, Mar-a-Lago became the center of controversy. Critics argued that the estate was being used for personal gain and that Trump was violating the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution by accepting payments from foreign governments for the use of the estate. Despite these concerns, Trump continued to use Mar-a-Lago as his primary residence during his presidency.
In 2021, Trump’s son, Eric, revealed that the estate was for sale, and speculation mounted about potential buyers. However, it remains unclear who will ultimately own Mar-a-Lago after Trump’s presidency. The estate’s history as a private club and its role in Trump’s life have made it a unique and intriguing property that continues to capture the public’s attention.
In conclusion, Mar-a-Lago has had a fascinating history of ownership, from Charles M. Candler to the Rockefellers and finally to Donald Trump. The estate’s transformation from a private residence to a political battleground has made it a symbol of wealth, power, and controversy. Who will own Mar-a-Lago before Trump is a question that remains to be answered, but one thing is certain: the estate’s legacy will continue to be a topic of interest for years to come.
